Get Involved
Questions? We’ve got answers.
Take a look at some of our most frequently asked questions. Got a new one? Please contact our friendly Volunteer Engagement team by sending a quick note or calling 415.506.6283.
The Volunteer Process
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• Attend a general volunteer orientation (see upcoming dates here).
• After you’ve attended the general volunteer orientation and you’re interested in pursuing a volunteer opportunity, you’ll receive a link to our online application and to pay the volunteer materials fee.
• Within 1-2 weeks of receiving your volunteer application, we’ll reach out to you about next steps. -
Our $30 volunteer fee helps offset the costs involved in our volunteer program. If this fee is a hurdle to becoming a volunteer, please contact the Volunteer Engagement department.
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We’re grateful for your eagerness to get started right away! The training and orientation schedule for each program is slightly different, but on average, it’ll begin 1-2 weeks after we receive your application. Volunteering at an animal shelter is a unique experience. There are many safety procedures to learn with each volunteer role. We’ll try to move you through as quickly as possible while ensuring you get the training needed to work safely with shelter animals.
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To provide the animals the best care and support, we require volunteers to commit to a year of volunteering on a regular schedule. This helps us ensure quality training and consistent volunteer coverage. Of course, we totally understand the need for vacations, sick days, and other needed days off and will do our best to accommodate your schedule!
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We welcome and value your prior experience but since shelters operate independently and have different safety and animal handling protocols, we do require you to attend our orientation and complete the training as a new volunteer.
Volunteering
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The quick answer is, it depends! There are some volunteer positions (for example, Dog Training Assistant) that require extensive training, and for that reason, we recommend you start volunteering in just one position. There are other volunteer jobs that don’t require a weekly commitment which allow you to volunteer in different departments simultaneously. For example, being a foster parent and animal transporter, or volunteering at our Thrift Shop and as a shelter greeter.
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Yes, though we would direct you to specific volunteer positions if you cannot commit to a regular weekly shift.
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No experience is needed to volunteer for most roles! We do however require all volunteers to have good communication skills and a willingness to learn.
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We ask that volunteers fill a regularly-scheduled shift at least once a week. You’re welcome to work more often if there’s a need for shift coverage, either at a regularly-scheduled time, or by picking up open shifts. Volunteer shifts typically range from 2-4 hours.
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Yes! Each role has training sessions that cover all aspects of the volunteer position and may include an additional orientation, on-the-job training, one-on-one mentoring, etc. Training is done with both staff and fellow volunteers. Training time varies based on volunteer availability, training schedules, and the specific training needs of the volunteer role.
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After you’ve attended the general volunteer orientation and expressed an interest in fostering, the Foster Care Coordinator will contact you to learn what animals you’d like to foster. We’ll be sure to try to find you the right fit! Foster volunteers are not expected to take an animal who is not a good fit for their home or family. Foster animals are not yet available for adoption, and are not listed on our website.
I’m Under 18
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For the safety of our volunteers and animals, all volunteers must be at least 18-years-old to volunteer in a regular role. Although you have to be at least 18 to volunteer, there are many other ways for young people to support the animals and learn about animal welfare! We have special programs for young people who love animals and want to learn more about how to help the world become a more humane place. Young people can also consider having a parent apply to be a foster volunteer. Although the primary volunteer must be 18, the entire family can participate in the fostering experience!
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Due to the nature of the work which is often in a confined physical space, we aren’t able to accept partnership volunteering teams. For safety reasons, all volunteers must meet our general requirements and be able to work independently. Volunteers must also individually complete the application process. Our foster program is a great way for young people and parents to have a rewarding volunteer experience together. Although the primary volunteer must be at least 18 years old, the entire family can participate in the fostering experience.
Partner, Group, and Mandated Volunteering
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We do not allow parents to volunteer with their children who are under 18 at Marin Humane at this time.
The Foster Program provides a great opportunity for parents to volunteer with their children. As foster volunteers you and your child(ren) would volunteer from home, caring for animals who are not yet ready for our adoption program. -
If you’re unable to volunteer independently, please contact the Volunteer Engagement office directly for an in person interview. Due to the nature of the work at Marin Humane, and often confined physical space, opportunities are limited.
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We have a few opportunities for groups to volunteer, like getting our campus campus ready for special events (cleaning, set-up, etc.) and do not include animal handling. To find additional volunteer opportunities for groups, contact the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL).
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*Due to COVID-19 precautions, we are not currently offering volunteer opportunities for court-ordered community service.* Court-ordered community service hours are handled through our Animal Care department, and is not considered volunteering. Community service is performed by helping with laundry or other cleaning tasks and does not include animal care or handling.